Labour-markets columnist Sarah O’Connor argues that AI and automation are eroding the gig economy’s role as an informal safety net for workers outside traditional employment. She reports that freelance platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork have seen significant declines as AI automates simple tasks, while self-driving technology threatens ride-share and delivery drivers. O’Connor contends the resulting job losses will mostly be invisible — showing up as fewer available tasks and lower incomes rather than formal layoffs.
